Billy Bush has been suspended by NBC

NBC
News' Billy Bush in conversation with Jeff Rossen for SiriusXM's
TODAY Show Radio at SiriusXM Studios on August 22, 2016 in New
York City.Getty/ Craig
Barritt

NBC News is suspending "Today" show host Billy Bush in the
wake of a leaked video of Bush and Republican presidential
candidate Donald Trump making vulgar comments about women.

"Let me be clear — there is simply no excuse for Billy’s
language and behavior on that tape,” NBC executive Noah
Oppenheim said in a memo to staff members, according to multiple news outlets. "NBC has
decided to suspend Billy, pending further review of this
matter."

"We’ve all been deeply troubled by the revelations of the
past 48 hours," Oppenheim added.

In the video from 2005, Bush, then a host of
"Access Hollywood," was heard laughing as Trump described
his attempts to seduce women. Their attention turned to "Days of
Our Lives" actress Arianne Zucker, standing outside their
bus.

"Sheesh, your girl's hot as s---, in the purple," Bush is
heard saying. "Those legs, all I can see is the legs."

Trump then boasted in crude language about his ability
to attract women.

"When you're a star they let you do it," Trump said. "You
can do anything. … Grab them by the p---y. You can do
anything."

Bush apologized on Friday for his role in the video. He was
expected to address the incident on Monday's show.

"Obviously I'm embarrassed and ashamed,” Bush said in a
statement issued by NBC News. “It's no excuse, but this happened
eleven years ago — I was younger, less mature, and acted
foolishly in playing along. I'm very sorry."

The video appears to have done considerable damage to
Trump's campaign. Several high-profile Republicans, including
Sens. John McCain and Kelly Ayotte, have
withdrawn their support for the businessman. Trump has vowed
to stay in the race despite growing calls to drop out.